Kitchen Conversations

  WBY History/Owners story   Brothers, Andrew and Dean Wasson, and Andrew’s wife Rachel are the primary owners of Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Company.  All three are proud Air Force veterans having all served as active duty Air Force Officers.  This common heritage led to the decision to name our venture “Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Company” as a nod to the infamous Air Force fight song.  The ownership...

 Joey Lucidi opened the first Haymaker Restaurant in 2013 in Peoria, AZ . Since then, we have opened 2 more Haymaker locations, The Social on 83rd, NW Coffee, Fire House Event Center, Cantina Gueros and Westside Catering.    While the concepts are all very different, the goal is the same: to be your neighborhood bar or restaurant where you can feel great about bringing family and friends for any a...

 Ken Carson Jr. an Albuquerque, New Mexico native graduated from New Mexico State University. He was appointed by Governor Gary Carruthers as Director of the NM State Banking department in 1987. He was reappointed to the position by Governor Bruce King. In 1993 Ken was appointed President of the Bank of Belen, which is now MyBank of Belen. Over the next 14 years, Ken and his staff grew the bank fr...

As the owner and chef for Thyme Matters for over 16 years now, Chef Alejandra Chávez and her husband Iván continue to offer innovative cuisine to the city of El Paso and its surrounding areas. For her, fulfilling her life’s passion and serving others is really living the dream.  Alejandra Chávez’s first memories of food revolve around the family kitchen and the home cooking of her mother and grand...

Growing up in a family of nine, forces one to cook. Johnny says: “If you didn’t learn how to cook in my family, you went hungry, I was never hungry.”  John's love for cooking started when he was 13. While most middle school aged boys were playing video games, he washed dishes, bused tables and learned the basics of cooking at Katz Deli in Phoenix, AZ.  One Sunday, Leo the line cook didn’t sho...

Lia’s idea was born when visiting Argentina, her husband Carlos’ birthplace.  Coming from a Mexican family, she found that the empanadas in Argentina were very good but needed more spice!  Then she realized that she could make any filling and wrap it in a crusty dough and make a meal to go!  She started her business 8 years ago in a 400 sq. ft. deli in back of a liquor store.  Her son, Matthew had...

Chef Brian Redzikowski of Kettner Exchange and Waverly Cardiff joins us from San Diego to discuss and navigating uncertainty, the art of the pop-up and how to stay excited about your work in a difficult time.   Follow us, @shamrockfoods, for more restaurant industry expertise and menu inspiration

 Chef Brad Wise is chef-owner of Fort Oak Restaurant , Rare Society , Cardellino Restaurant , The Wise Ox Butcher + Eatery , & Mr. Trustee Creamery .  He joins us to discuss the importance of hospitality and putting the guest experience first. Follow us, @shamrockfoods, for more restaurant industry expertise and menu inspiration

We sit down and chat with Jim Hargrove, Enterprise Business Consultant for Shamrock Foods.  Follow us, @shamrockfoods, for more restaurant industry expertise and menu inspiration

 Welcome to Shamrock Foods Kitchen Conversations. Chef Christopher Collins, owner of Common Ground Culinary, sits down with us to discuss the importance of supporting local,  reflecting on your work, and being flexible with change.  Follow us, @shamrockfoods, for more restaurant industry expertise and menu inspiration

Welcome to Shamrock Foods Kitchen Conversations. Hear from Josh Garcia, Vice President and operator of Miracle Mile Deli in Phoenix, Arizona as he tell us about how they use social media to connect with customers of his longstanding family-owned restaurant. In addition, learn how Miracle Mile retains a high level of hospitality with take out and to-go business. Follow us, @shamrockfoods, for more...

Join us as we talk with Shamrock Foods partner, Paul Sullivan, Owner of Esters Neighborhood Pub in Colorado about how he approaches the hospitality business, stays on top of trends, and manages a successful business. He tells us how he keeps the concept experiences fresh and gives all the praise to The Pham - their most loyal customers! Follow us, @shamrockfoods, for more restaurant industry exper...

Join us in a conversation with longtime Shamrock Foods partner, Jon Lane, Owner of O.H.S.O. Brewery in Arizona. OHSO has been part of the Phoenix area microbrewery and culinary scene for almost a decade. Learn about how he approaches the art and science of menu creation, and how they tighten up spend and processes to maximize profit.  Follow us, @shamrockfoods, for more restaurant industry experti...

Join us as we chat with Shamrock Foods partner, John Haas, the Co-Founder, Company Chef and President of M’tucci’s Restaurants in New Mexico.  Growing up in a rural area in Iowa, Hass learned that success was something that came to those who worked hard.  After 24 years in the industry, he believes in that philosophy more than ever.  He sees potential in every associate and believes it’s his respo...